Welcome to WithRespect, a family violence service supporting LGBTIQA+ people across Victoria.
We offer Case Management and Counselling programs to support the safety, recovery, and wellbeing of individuals and families.
Our Case Management program offers practical and emotional support to help you navigate systems, plan for safety, and connect with resources.
Our Counselling program provides individual and group therapy to help you process experiences, build coping strategies, and strengthen relationships.
Read on to see which program may best suit your needs.
The WithRespect team provides secondary consultations for external professionals seeking guidance through an LGBTIQA+ family violence lens. For enquiries, please contact: queerspacefv@ds.org.au.
Case Management
WithRespect Case Management at Queerspace supports LGBTIQA+ people across Victoria experiencing family violence. We provide brief, intermediate, and intensive support over a 12-week period to address risk, safety, and recovery needs for all family members, including children and young people.
Many LGBTIQA+ people face barriers to accessing support, such as misidentification, discrimination, systems harm, or fear of isolation from community. Our case managers work alongside you to reduce risk, plan for safety, and connect you with the right services.
What we offer
- Case Management: Support connecting with legal, housing, and healthcare systems
- Advocacy: Assistance communicating with service providers, courts, and other agencies
- Safety Planning: Strategies to improve your safety and wellbeing
- Resource Connection: Referrals to additional or specialist services as needed
- Psychoeducation: Information on family violence dynamics, coping strategies, and maintaining emotional wellbeing
Recognising the signs of family violence
Family violence includes behaviours by a partner or family member that cause fear, loss of control, or a power imbalance. LGBTIQA+ people experience family violence at similar rates as the broader community, though the signs may look different.
Family violence can occur within:
- Family of origin: Biological or adoptive families
- Chosen families: Close, supportive networks of friends or partners treated as family
Signs may include:
- Misgendering or deadnaming you to friends or family
- Revealing or threatening to reveal your gender identity, sexuality, or HIV status
- Rejection or abuse after coming out
- Restricting access to gender-affirming care
- Threatening to limit contact with children
- Isolating you from friends or community supports
Family Violence Child and Youth Specialist
The Family Violence Child and Youth Specialist supports children and young people under 25 who have experienced family, intimate-partner, identity-based, or systemic violence.
This role provides trauma-informed, identity-affirming therapeutic support to help young people feel safe, explore their experiences, build coping skills, and engage in age-appropriate safety planning.
Who it’s for?
We can work with individuals (children and young people) and families. The criteria for referrals are that one person in the family is queer-identified or questioning, and there is current or historical violence occurring.
Sessions can be held face-to-face, over the phone, or via telehealth.
Confidentiality and safety
All conversations are confidential. Your privacy is protected, and information is only shared with your consent or when required by law to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
Accessing support
Phone: (03) 9663 6733
Email: queerspacefv@ds.org.au
If you are a service provider, please complete the Queerspace Family Violence Response Referral Form when referring a client.
Queerspace Family Violence Response offers two programs open to external referrals:
- WithRespect Case Management: Support for LGBTIQA+ people who have experienced family violence
- Futures Free From Violence: Support for women, trans, and gender-diverse people who have used harm or force in family settings, via group or individual interventions
Delivery options
Sessions can be held face-to-face, over the phone, or via telehealth.
Who it’s for
LGBTIQA+ individuals and families, including children and young people.
Confidentiality and safety
All conversations are confidential. Your privacy is protected, and information is only shared with your consent or when required by law to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
Emergency and Supportive Contacts
If you are seeking alternative or more immediate support outside Queerspace, the following services are available:
Family Violence, Sexual Assault, and Domestic Violence
- 1800 RESPECT – 24/7 national service for sexual assault, domestic, and family violence: 1800 737 732
- Safe Steps – 24/7 family violence support for women and children: 1800 015 188
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 24/7 support for sexual assault survivors: 1800 806 292
General Crisis and Mental Health Support
- Lifeline – 24/7 telephone counselling and support: 13 11 14
- QLife – LGBTIQA+ specific telephone counselling peer support 1800 184 527
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services – Telephone and online support for people affected by mental health issues: More info
LGBTIQA+ Specific Support
- Rainbow Door – Information, support, and referrals for LGBTIQA+ Victorians: 1800 729 367
- Q+Law – Legal advice and support for LGBTIQA+ people: 03 9968 1002
Housing, Financial, and Social Support
- Ask Izzy – Mobile website connecting people with housing, meals, financial help, health and wellbeing services, family violence support, counselling, and more: https://askizzy.org.au
- Housing Crisis Line – 24/7 support for people experiencing housing issues: 1800 825 955
- National Debt Hotline – Free financial counselling for people in financial stress: 1800 007 007
- Police, Fire, Ambulance – If you are in immediate danger, call 000
Counselling
WithRespect counselling at Queerspace provides a confidential and affirming space for LGBTIQA+ people impacted by family violence to explore their experiences and begin recovery. Counselling and case management are separate programs, but many clients engage with both for comprehensive support.
Our counsellors use trauma-informed, client-centred approaches to help you:
- Process your experiences in a safe and supportive environment
- Understand patterns of harm and strengthen protective factors
- Develop coping and emotional regulation strategies
- Rebuild confidence, identity, and community connections
- Coordinate with case management to support ongoing safety and recovery
Counselling sessions are offered fortnightly over a 12-week period, with the option to review if additional sessions are needed.
Delivery options
Sessions can be held face-to-face, over the phone, or via telehealth.
Who it’s for
LGBTIQA+ individuals and families, including young people.
Accessing counselling
To discuss counselling options, contact (03) 9663 6733 or email queerspacefv@ds.org.au.
Confidentiality and safety
All conversations are confidential, and your privacy is protected. Information is only shared with your consent or when required by law to ensure your safety or the safety of others.